Torchbearer is the highest honor the university gives to its undergraduate students. Recognition as a Torchbearer reminds us all that those who bear the Torch of Enlightenment shadow themselves to give light to others.
Jack Duncan
Jack Duncan of Cleveland, Tennessee, is a Haslam Scholar, Peyton Manning Scholar, and a Baker scholar studying Economics and Mathematics. Driven by curiosity, Duncan researched public policy issues regarding education, environmental, and mental health policies as a research assistant for the past four years. Taking policy into practice, he has advocated to state legislators for the student body as co-director of the SGA Government Affairs Committee.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer means leaving a legacy of connection and selflessness. The strength of the University of Tennessee lies within its people, and a Volunteer is someone who brings these individuals together to foster a strong and interconnected community. My experiences as a Volunteer have enriched my academic and personal journey and allowed me to contribute to an inspiring network of Volunteers. I hope my efforts inspire future generations to continue building on this foundation, ensuring that the Volunteer spirit of making a difference and connecting with others lives on for years to come.”
What are your plans for after graduation?
Following graduation, Duncan will work at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as a Research Assistant in Washington, D.C.
Carragan Fields
Carragan Fields is the daughter of Kevin and Tiffany Fields, and the older sister of Kaylea Fields. Majoring in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication from the Herbert College of Agriculture, Carragan had the rare opportunity to start her career in December, working for the Tennessee State Senate in Nashville.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
Carragan believes being a Volunteer means waking up every day and choosing to sacrifice for others on a daily basis, no matter how your day has been, because you want to lift others up rather than focusing on your own success. When her time to pursue a dream came earlier than expected in Nashville, Carragan felt nothing but comfort in her purpose due to the foundation she gained at UT. Rather than feeling nerves for the unknown or having a fear of failing, she finds peace knowing she has the opportunity to live as a Volunteer wherever she goes.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Carragan plans to continue working for the Tennessee Senate, gaining valuable experience in agricultural policy to better equip herself as she prepares for law school. With her law degree, she aspires to represent those in agriculture, hoping to give back to the community who has deeply inspired her through their hard work and sacrifice.
Sarah Lange
Sarah Lange is studying Addiction and Behavioral Neuroscience through the College Scholars Program and Haslam Leadership Scholars Program. During her time at UT, she’s researched with the Department of Psychology and UT Medical Center, served as president of both the nonprofit Brain Exercise Initiative and the Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, and led UTK’s undergraduate research journal Pursuit as editor-in-chief.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer has inspired me to go beyond classroom learning and extend myself into community service by helping Tennessee’s most underserved populations. It’s extremely rewarding and empowering to attend a school that cares so deeply about advocacy and engagement, and it makes me incredibly proud knowing that I am using my UT education to address real-world challenges around me.”
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, Lange will attend medical school at Dartmouth College to receive her M.D. degree.
Abby Ann Ramsey
Abby Ann Ramsey is studying journalism and media and religious studies with a concentration in religion and nonprofit leadership. Ramsey serves as editor-in-chief of The Daily Beacon and is passionate about telling the stories of those around her. She is a member of a campus improv troupe and has worked for Canopy Atlanta and the nonprofit Thrive.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“For me, being a Volunteer means taking the time to pause and listen to the needs of those around me and consider what I can do to support them. It means recognizing that each person has their own story and their own identity, and our job as Volunteers is to see the beauty in each and every story. As a Volunteer, I strive to be there for those around me not just to celebrate with them when they succeed but also to listen when times are tough and do what I can to support them. Over the past four years, UT has empowered me to make a difference by giving me opportunities to find mentors and serve the community around me.”
What are your plans for after graduation?
“After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in journalism as a news reporter. I do not yet know where I’ll end up. I am interested in exploring intersections of all kinds and as long as I’m able to think about the stories of subjects and stories of the people I work with, I feel like I’ll be happy in my work.”
Alvin Robertson
Alvin Robertson is a senior from Memphis studying therapeutic recreation. He is in the 1794 scholars program. At UT he was involved in the Jones Center for leadership and service, University Housing, UT Ambassadors, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He also served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for anatomy. After graduation, he plans to pursue a masters in Higher Education.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a volunteer means you are a true servant leader. Acting on things and not expecting anything in return. UT poured into me and that’s why I truly wanted to pour into others. When people bring up UT, the first thing that comes to mind is family, and that couldn’t be more real. UT has empowered me to understand that it’s bigger than me. It’s all about the connections you build and impact you have on people. This university has helped me develop into the leader and caring person I’ve always wanted to be. Lastly, I am so thankful for the people that poured into me at UT. My supervisors, mentors, and role models shaped my experience here at UT. They put hours and hours of support, encouragement, and advice into me, just for me to give that to others. It truly starts with people and empowering them to see the potential in themselves. Just remember you cannot achieve greatness by yourself, you need a team, community, and family. Here at UT you get all three.”
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, Robertson plans to pursue a master’s in Higher Education.
Harrison Van Eaton
Harrison Van Eaton is a Neuroscience major from Chattanooga, Tennessee. While at the University of Tennessee, he became a member of Beta Upsilon Chi, served on the Interfraternity Council, volunteered for organizations like the Emerald Youth Foundation, and joined many other on-campus organizations as well as working for UT Medical Center.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“As a transfer student, it was clear that the University of Tennessee Knoxville was different. At every turn, this place has empowered me and those around me to give back to my community. Being a Volunteer means sacrificing for the sake of others. Consistently, this institution has uplifted the Volunteer spirit, inspiring me to model its intentions and direct the blessings I have been given toward serving others and leading this place to an even brighter future.”
What are your plans for after graduation?
“I intend to spend a gap year in Chattanooga working as a Medical Assistant while I apply to Physician’s Assistant programs.”
Rylie West
Rylie West was born and raised in Southern California by her parents, Troy and Kelly. From a young age, she grew up competing in sports with her older sister, Skyler, while having a passion for change. Softball has been her passion and vehicle for change for as long as she can remember.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“To me, being a Volunteer means putting others before yourself and inspiring change because it makes the world a better place. It also means leading the way as a servant leader even when facing adversity. UT has empowered me to make a difference because of the impact the people here have made on my life. They have lit the way for me and inspired me to do the same for others. I cannot imagine having the support and opportunity to make a difference anywhere else.”
What are your plans for after graduation?
“After graduating in May, I will be pursuing my master’s degree in Journalism and Electronic Media at UT, with hopes to work within the UT athletics media department.”